Epitheliomatous degeneration of chronic ulcer, necessitating amputation. (Original.)
As a result of healing of the granulating surface there is what is known as a cicatrix or scar. This is composed of fibrous tissue, probably more or less distorted by virtue of its contractility, and of epithelial covering furnished from the margin of the original ulcer, constituting a thin, glistening membrane, applied closely to the scar tissue beneath, without intervening fat or tissue which permits of the play of the one upon the other. When this epithelial surface is abraded it is repaired with difficulty, and a raw or ulcerating scar is difficult to heal. Manifestation of perverted epithelial outgrowth is frequently provoked at these points by the action of continuous irritation. In consequence there is what is generally recognized as the transformation of a chronic ulcer, or the site of one, into an epithelioma, or possibly, by similar irritation of the connective-tissue elements, into a sarcoma. This is the so-called cancerous degeneration of previous ulcers, and is noted occasionally. The lesion is one which often requires disfiguring, or even mutilating operations in order to get rid of the malignant disease ([Fig. 12].) All the scars thus resulting are liable to undergo a fibrous and degenerative change to which is given the name cicatricial keloid. It is marked by increase in size and density, by reddening which denotes increased vascularity, and extension into surrounding previously healthy tissue. By these changes a given scar is made much more prominent and disfiguring. It cannot be prevented by any ordinary treatment, and is often the bête noir of surgeons. (See also under [Fibroma], and chapter on [Diseases of the Skin].)
The surface of a superficial scar while thus covered with epithelium shows a complete lack of all the other skin elements. No hair grows upon such a surface, because the original hair follicles are destroyed; neither is it moistened by perspiration nor anointed by sebaceous material, because the secretory glands have also disappeared. It is a surface which often needs more or less protection, especially when in exposed situations.
Treatment.
—Here, as in all other instances, the first effort of the surgeon should be to remove the cause. This may be done by local, or may require constitutional measures. If a definite local cause can be established, its removal may be a slight or may entail a more or less serious surgical operation. Aside from this disposal of the exciting agent, treatment should be divided into the general and the local. General treatment is scarcely called for when dealing with healthy ulcers; but in all those instances where the constitutional condition of the patient is below par, or where there is a general poisoning or infection underlying the ulcer itself, prompt and energetic constitutional treatment should be at once instituted. In scurvy, for instance, the diet and hygienic surroundings of the patient should be rectified immediately. In syphilis no lasting nor deep impression can be made on local manifestations without general constitutional treatment. In tuberculosis and the other surgical infections much will be accomplished by internal medication, by proper hygiene, as well as by local applications or operation. The importance of these general measures is likely to be underestimated, and many fail to realize the advantage of combining suitable internal and external therapeutic measures.
Local Treatment.
—First of all may be mentioned the insistence upon repose which induces physiological rest. The ulcer may then show a tendency to heal. This may necessitate wearing a splint or restraining apparatus, or confinement in bed, depending upon the location of the ulcer. Physiological rest will be enforced sometimes by stretching a sphincter in order to temporarily paralyze it in cases of irritable rectal ulcer, where the principal pain is produced by the reflex spasm of its fibers. Again, the eye with irritable ulcer of the cornea is sometimes kept so tightly closed by the same kind of spasm there that it may be necessary to divide the lids, or the orbicularis muscle at the angle of the lids, in order to make access to the part. This is carrying out the principle of physiological rest, because it permits proper exposure and treatment.
The healthy and healing ulcer needs no treatment except protection. Epithelial covering will probably keep pace with filling of the depression by granulations, and all that is necessary to do is to prevent external irritation. Should there be excess of discharge, the simplest absorbent dressing, with enough antiseptic material to prevent putrefaction by contamination with the bacteria of the surrounding air, should be employed. The ulcer which is becoming tardy in its repair may be stimulated by silver nitrate, zinc chloride, or other caustic applications, which act as a spur to the sluggish granulations, destroying those with which it comes in contact, but stimulating those below to do their duty more promptly.
The conventional applications to ulcers fall usually under two categories—the watery solutions and the unguents.